Todd Akin: What Happens Now?

All eyes are on Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin, who is facing mounting calls to end his candidacy amidst the fallout from his controversial remarks on rape.

Rep. Akin faces a 5:00PM Tuesday deadline to withdraw from the race and allow someone else to take on Sen. Clare McCaskill, a vulnerable Democratic incumbent whom Republicans have made a key target. Here are the possible scenarios:

Akin withdraws today: If Akin bows to the pressure and takes one for the party, the Missouri Republican party committee then nominates a new candidate to fill his spot. It would have until Sept. 18 to fill the vacancy. The nominee would not be submitted to a popular vote.

Akin withdraws later: This is trickier, but it's not impossible. Akin would need to apply for a court order affirming his exit from the race. In this case, the final day to withdraw without a court order would be Sept. 25.

Akin remains: And marks the launch of his general election campaign (he overcame two Republican rivals in a primary election less than two weeks ago) with a gaffe that has made national news and drawn the ire of his party. Initial polling shows that Akin is neck-and-neck with McCaskill despite widespread disapproval for his comment, so he could still have a shot.